UT film school ranks No. 10 in the nation

By Joshua Fechter :
July 31, 2014
: Updated: August 1, 2014 9:12am

Actor Matthew McConaughey poses with Mack Brown during a team photo at the Rose Bowl. McConaughey graduated from UT-Austin's film school, which was just ranked the 10th best in the nation.Click through the slideshow to see some of the famous actors and directors who graduated from the school.

McConaughey won an Oscar for playing AIDS activist Ron Woodruff in "Dallas Buyers Club."

Photo By AP

Actress Farrah Fawcett also graced the halls of UT's film school.

In this Jan. 1977 file photo originally released by ABC, actress Farrah Fawcett-Majors from "Charlie's Angels," is shown. Fawcett died, Thursday, June 25, 2009, at a hospital in Los Angeles. She was 62. (AP Photo/ABC, file)

Photo By AP

In this August 1984 file photo originally released by NBC, actress Farrah Fawcett is shown in character in a scene from, "The Burning Bed." Fawcett died Thursday, June 25, 2009 in a Los Angeles hospital. She was 62. (AP Photo/NBC, file)

Photo By Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic

Actress Renee Zellweger arrives at the Oscars at Hollywood & Highland Center on February 24, 2013 in Hollywood, California. Before she starred in "Bridget Jones' Diary" and "Cold Mountain," Zellweger graduated from the film school at the University of Texas at Austin.

Photo By San Antonio Express-News file photo

Renee Zellweger in a scene from "Texas Chainsaw Massacre: The Next Generation."

Photo By Contributed

A poster for Robert Rodriguez's upcoming film, "Sin City: A Dame to Kill For."

Photo By Michael Buckner/Getty Images for SXSW

Director Wes Anderson, who helmed movies such as "Rushmore," "The Royal Tenenbaums" and "Fantastic Mr. Fox," honed some of his quirky style at UT's film school.

Pictured, Anderson (L) and actor Jason Schwartzman, at the screening of "Grand Budapest Hotel" during the 2014 SXSW Music, Film + Interactive Festival at the Paramount Theatre on March 10, 2014 in Austin, Texas.

Actor Eli Wallach, who starred in "The Good, The Bad and The Ugly" and "The Magnificent Seven," walked through the halls of UT's film school. He died at age 98 on June 24, 2014, with some 100 movies to his credit, including several made while the actor was in his 90s.

Photo By Michael Ochs Archives / Getty Images

Eli Wallach played the Mexican gunman, Tuco, in Sergio Leone's landmark “The Good, the Bad and the Ugly.”

Photo By EDWARD A. ORNELAS/Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

Some you may know, some you may not, some graduated and some didn't. But they all have one thing in common ...

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

At one time, they attended the University of Texas at Austin. Click through to see some of the famous names that have come out of UT.

Photo By Zack Seckler/Associated Press

Eli Wallach: Oscar- and Golden Globe-winning method actor, best known as the "Ugly" from "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly."

Photo By Hulton Archive / Getty Images

Farrah Fawcett: Actress and pop-culture icon best known for her role in "Charlie's Angels."

Photo By AP Photo / Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Stephen Spillman

Laura Bush: First Lady, wife of President George W. Bush.

Photo By Lionel Cirroneau/Associated Press

Mary Lou Retton: The five-time Olympic medalist was the first female gymnast outside Eastern Europe to win the Olympic All-Around title. She was also the 1984 "Sports Illustrated" Sportswoman of the Year.

Photo By Elise Amendola/Associated Press

Roger Clemens: Known as "The Rocket," the 11-time All-Star and seven-time Cy Young winner pitched for the New York Yankees, with whom he won back-to-back World Series in 1999 and 2000. In 1986, he was the AL and All-Star game MVP. He also pitched for the Boston Red Sox for most of his career, and for the Toronto Blue Jays and Houston Astros. Lately he's been in the news for allegations of steriod use and perjery during Congress' Mitchell Report inquest into steroids in Major League Baseball. He was recently found not guilty of lying to Congress.

Photo By Laura Rauch/Associated Press

Renée Zellweger: Actress, won 2004 Academy Award for best supporting actress in "Cold Mountain." Also known for "Bridget Jones's Diary," "Jerry Maguire" and "Chicago."

Photo By Charles Dharapak/Associated Press

Tommy Franks: U.S. Army General. As Commander of the United States Central Command, he lead military operations in Afghanistan in response to the September 11 attacks, and Operation Iraqi Freedom to overthrow Saddam Hussein. He's now retired.

Photo By Associated Press

Janis Joplin: Rock singer that has become an icon of the psychedelica music of the late 1960s, she was posthumously was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and received a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award. Died of a heroin overdose in 1970.

Photo By Robyn Beck / AFP / Getty Images

Owen Wilson: Actor and Oscar-nominated screenwriter known for several films, including "The Royal Tenenbaums," "Meet the Parents" and "Marley & Me."

Photo By Billy Calzada/San Antonio Express-News

Kay Bailey Hutchison: Longtime Republican U.S. Senator from Texas was named one of the 30 most powerful women in America by "Ladies Home Journal" in 2001. She challenged Rick Perry for the Republican gubernatorial nomination in 2010, and is not seeking re-election to her Senate seat in 2012.

Photo By John Davenport/San Antonio Express-News

Ben Crenshaw: Two-time Masters winner (1984, 1995) and 2002 World Golf Hall of Fame inductee was the second player in PGA Tour history to win the first event of his career, which was the 1973 San Antonio Texas Open.

Photo By AP Photo / The Gainesville Sun

Dr. Robert Cade: San Antonio native invented Gatorade at Florida, after his undergrad work at UT.

Photo By Tony Avelar/Associated Press

Derrick Dockery: Plays guard for the Dallas Cowboys, and previously played for the Washington Redskins and Buffalo Bills.

Photo By Tom Reel/San Antonio Express-News

Tom Kite: U.S. Open winner (1992) and 2004 World Golf Hall of Fame inductee was the PGA Tour's leading money-winner in 1981 and 1989, and set records for PGA Tour career earnings as the first to reach the $6 million-, $7 million-, $8 million- and $9 million-dollar marks. He has also designed several golf course, including the Comanche Trace course in Kerrville.

Photo By Charles Sykes/Associated Press

Peri Gilpin: Actress, best known as radio show producer Roz Doyle on "Frasier."

Photo By Julie Jacobson/Associated Press

Cowboy Troy: Country rap singer and former co-host of "Nashville Star." Seen here with country singer Wynonna Judd.

Photo By Lennox McLendon/Associated Press

John Hillerman: Actor best known as Higgins on "Magnum, P.I.," the role for which he won a Golden Globe in 1982 and an Emmy in 1987.

Photo By Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News

Kevin Durant: Three-time NBA All-Star small forward has earned several accolades, including a gold medal as part of the USA's basketball team. He lead the Oklahoma City Thunder past the Spurs to the 2012 NBA Finals, where his team lost to the Miami Heat.

Photo By Associated Press file photo

Bobby Layne: Five-time Pro Bowl selection and NFL 1950s All-Decade Team quarterback played for the Chicago Bears, New York Bulldogs, Pittsburgh Steelers, and most notably, the Detriot Lions, who retired his No. 22 jersey.

Photo By Jerry Lara/San Antonio Express-News

Bobby Inman: Director of the NSA in the late 1970s/early 1980s, and Deputy Director of the CIA in the early 1980s.

Photo By Ed Kolenovsky/Associated Press

Earl Campbell: Pro Football Hall of Fame running back was five-time Pro Bowl and three-time All-Pro selection, in addition to several other honors. Played most of his career with the Houston Oilers, and finished it playing for the New Orleans Saints.

Photo By Associated Press

Tom Landry: Legendary coach of the Dallas Cowboys, leading the team to wins in Super Bowls VI and XII and five NFC Championships. A member of the Cowboys' Ring of Honor and the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Photo By Matt Sayles/Associated Press

Todd Lowe: TV actor, best known for his roles on "True Blood" and the "Gilmore Girls."

Photo By Ted Powers/Associated Press

Harvey Penick: Coached the UT golf team to 21 titles in a little more than 30 years. Inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2002, and coached several other Hall of Famers, including fellow UT alums Tom Kite and Ben Crenshaw.

Photo By Richard Drew/Associated Press

Neil deGrasse Tyson: Astrophysicist hosts "NOVA scienceNOW" on PBS, and has been a guest on "The Daily Show," "The Colbert Report" and "Jeopardy!"

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

Leonard Davis: All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl selection plays guard for the San Francisco 49ers. He's also played with the Arizona Cardinals, Dallas Cowboys and Detroit Lions.

Photo By Hulton Archive / Getty Images

Jayne Mansfield: Sex symbol and actress who won 1957 Golden Globe for most promising newcomer. Known for "The Wild, Wild World of Jayne Mansfield," "Will Success Spoil Rock Hunter?" and "The Girl Can't Help It." She died in a violent car crash at age 34.

Photo By Associated Press file photo

John Avery Lomax: Pioneering musicologist and folklorist journeyed around the country during the Great Depression to record American folk music for the Library of Congress, a legacy carried on by his son and fellow UT alum Alan Lomax.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

Roy Williams: Pro Bowl selection played wide receiver for the Detroit Lions and Dallas Cowboys, before ending his career with the Chicago Bears.

Photo By Reed Saxon/Associated Press

Marcia Gay Harden: Actress, holding her 2001 Academy Award for best supporting actress in "Pollock." Also known for "Into the Wild," "Mystic River," "Miller's Crossing" and several TV movies.

Photo By Lana Harris/Associated Press

Jack Brooks: Democrat served more than 40 years in the U.S. House, representing the Beaumont area and later Houston. He was one of the few Southern congressmen to support the Civil Rights Act, and drafted the articles of impeachment against President Richard Nixon after Watergate.

Photo By William Luther/San Antonio Express-News

Cyndi Taylor Krier: First Republican and first woman to represent San Antonio in the Texas Senate. As Bexar County judge, she was instrumental in getting the AT&T Center built. The post office on John Saunders Road and the juvenile detention center are named in her honor.

Photo By Harry Cabluck/Associated Press

Alan Bean: Lunar module pilot on Apollo 12, mans second lunar landing, and fourth man to walk on the moon. He resigned from NASA in June 1981 to devote his full time to painting.

Photo By Gary I. Rothstein/Associated Press

Ricky Williams: Heisman winner went on to play running back for the Miami Dolphins. Also played for the New Orleans Saints and Baltimore Ravens. Was Pro Bowl MVP in 2002, and is a member of the 10,000 Rushing Yards Club.

Photo By AP Photo / San Angelo Standard Times, Cameron Yarborough

Elmer Kelton: Western writer — regarded by many as the greatest — has more than 40 books and numerous awards under his belt.

Photo By Charles Sykes/Associated Press

Betty Nguyen: Former anchor and correspondent appearing on CNN and CBS.

Photo By Tom Reel/San Antonio Express-News

T.J. Ford: Point guard ended his career in March with the Spurs, after playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, Toronto Raptors and Indiana Pacers.

Photo By AP Photo / Courtesy, Berkeley Breathed

Berkeley Breathed: Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist known for his comic strip "Bloom County," starring Opus the penguin, who's newspaper features a photo of Breathed.

Allen Ludden: TV personality, best known for hosting different variations of "Password" from the 1960s to the 1980s.

Photo By Stephen Chernin/Associated Press

Liz Smith: Gossip columnist for several media outlets, including Hearst newspapers, New York Daily News, Newsday, the New York Post and on television.

Photo By Ed Widdis/Associated Press

Gail Davis: Actress was the title character in the 1950s Western TV series "Annie Oakley." Seen here kissing Arnold Palmer in 1960.

Photo By Anja Niedringhaus/Associated Press

Sanya Richards-Ross: Runner who took gold in the 4x400-meter relay at both the 2004 Olympics in Athens and the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Also took bronze in the 400-meter individual at Beijing. She won gold medal in the 400-meter individual and as a member of the 4x400-meter relay team at the 2012 Olympics in London.

Photo By NFL Photos/Associated Press

Tommy Nobis: Five-time Pro Bowl selection and Jefferson grad played linebacker for Atlanta Falcons, and was first player ever drafted by the team. Was named NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year in 1966, and named to San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame's inaugural class in 1995.

Photo By Associated Press

Richard Kleberg: Known as the "Cowboy Congressman," the seven-term South Texas Democrat was also involved with management of the famed King Ranch near Kingsville.

Photo By Kin Man Hui/San Antonio Express-News

Bill White: Former mayor of Houston and Deputy Secretary of Energy under President Clinton, the Democrat is recently remembered for his unsuccessful run for governor against Rick Perry in the 2010 election.

Photo By Associated Press file photo

Morris Sheppard: Democrat (right) is best known for writing the Prohibition (18th) Amendment while serving nearly 40 years in U.S. House and Senate. Seen here with (from left) Secetary of War Henry L. Stimson, Rep. Andrew J. May, D-Ky., House Military Affairs Committee Chairman; U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt (sitting); and Gen. George C. Marshall, Army Chief of Staff, as Roosevelt signs the country's first peacetime draft law.

Photo By John Davenport/San Antonio Express-News

Justin Leonard: Three-time Texas Open winner (2000, 2001 and 2007) also won the Open Championship in 1997.

Photo By Michelle Bidwell/Associated Press

Ann Richards: 45th Governor of Texas, and second woman to serve as Governor, she reformed the state's prison system, created the state lottery, focused on site-based education and stressed government efficiency by authorizing audits of every state agency.

Photo By Associated Press

Dolph Briscoe: Uvalde native was 41st Governor of Texas, guiding the state during its oil and gas boom years. He also signed into law the 1973 Texas Open Records Act, which guarantees the public's right to information about state and local government, and sponsored legislation that gave Texas its statewide paved farm-to-market road system.

Photo By Paul Iverson/Associated Press

Harry Whittington: Attorney best known as the man who was shot by Vice President Dick Cheney in a hunting accident.

Photo By Courtesy photo / AMC

Jon Hamm: Actor, known for his role as Don Draper on "Mad Men."

Photo By White House / Nellie Connally

John B. and Nellie Connally: 39th Governor and First Lady of Texas, known for riding in the car with President John F. Kennedy when he was assasinated in Dallas in 1963. John Connally also served as Secretary of the Navy under Kennedy, and as Secretary of the Treasury.

Photo By Harry Cabluck/Associated Press

Sarah Weddington: Attorney who represented "Jane Roe" in the landmark Roe v. Wade abortion case in the U.S. Supreme Court.

Photo By Associated Press file photo

Ralph Yarborough: Democratic U.S. senator from Texas for more than a decade was author of Endangered Species Act and legislation that created Medicare and Medicaid.

Photo By Edward A. Ornelas/San Antonio Express-News

LaMarcus Aldridge: NBA All-Star plays power forward and center for the Portland Trail Blazers. Seen here against the Spurs' Tony Parker in 2009.

Photo By Chris Martinez/Associated Press

David Geffen: Co-founder of DreamWorks Animation, founder of Asylum Records and Geffen Records.

Photo By Associated Press

Sam Rayburn: A Democrat from Bonham, the congressman was the longest-serving Speaker of the U.S. House at 17 years, and at the time of his death, the longest-serving congressman ever at 48 years.

Photo By Bill Kostroun/Associated Press

Aaron Ross: Played cornerback for the New York Giants, winning Super Bowls XLII and XLVI. Signed to play for the Jacksonville Jaguars this season.

Jeb Bush: Former governor of Florida, son of President George H. W. Bush and First Lady Barbara Bush and brother of President George W. Bush.

Photo By Billy Calzada/San Antonio Express-News

Matthew McConaughey: Uvalde-born actor, who starred in "A Time to Kill," "We are Marshall" and "How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days," is a huge UT football fan, and is often photographed with players. Seen here encouraging quarterback Vince Young before the 2006 Rose Bowl.

Photo By Lisa Krantz/San Antonio Express-News

Red McCombs: Founder of the Red McCombs Automotive Group in S.A., co-founder of Clear Channel Communications, former co-owner of the San Antonio Spurs, the Denver Nuggets, and the Minnesota Vikings. He was named Express-News Sportsman of the Year in 1988 and elected to the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame in 1998. He's also the namesake for UT's business school.

Photo By Saul Zaentz Company / Courtesy Photo

F. Murray Abraham: Seen here in his 1985 Ocsar-winning role as the "old" Antonio Salieri in "Amadeus," the actor has had roles in more than 100 movies and TV shows.

Photo By San Antonio Express-News file photo

Kinky Friedman: Singer, author and former gubernatorial candidate.

Photo By Gene J. Puskar/Associated Press

William R. Johnson: CEO of H.J. Heinz Co., best known for their ketchup.

Catherine Crier: Journalist known for reporting and anchoring on CNN, ABC (including "20/20") and Fox News.

Photo By Phelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press

Robert Crippen: Pilot (left) of Space Shuttle STS-1, the first orbital test flight of the NASA Shuttle program. STS-1 Commander John Young is at right.

Photo By Courtesy Photo

Bill Moyers: Journalist known for his programs on PBS and appearances on CBS, he also served as White House press secretary for President Lyndon B. Johnson.

Photo By Courtesy Photo

Bibb Falk: Played for the Chicago White Sox, replacing Shoeless Joe Jackson after the 1919 Black Sox scandal, and the Cleveland Indians. Coached the Indians and the Boston Red Sox before returning to UT to coach. Disch-Falk Field was named in his honor.

Photo By Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images

Johnny Moore: Spent his entire career playing point guard for the Spurs, except for one game with the New Jersey Nets. His number, 00, was retired in 1998 and he was elected to the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.

Photo By Associated Press

Tex Ritter: Actor in Westerns, member of the Country Music Hall of Fame.

Photo By Harry How/Getty Images

Priest Holmes: Marshall High grad played running back for the Baltimore Ravens and Kansas City Chiefs, winning Super Bowl XXXV with the Ravens. He is a three-time Pro Bowl and three-time All-Pro selection, the 2002 Express-News Sportsman of the Year, and was elected to the San Antonio Sports Hall of Fame in 2011.

Photo By Matt Sayles/Associated Press

Robert Rodriguez: Director, a native of San Antonio, is best known for "Sin City," "Grindhouse" and the "Spy Kids" movies.

Photo By Ron Edmonds/Associated Press

Lloyd Bentsen: Longtime politican represented Texas in both the U.S. House and Senate, and was Secretary of the Treasury under President Bill Clinton. He was also the 1988 Democratic vice presidential nominee on the Michael Dukakis ticket.

Photo By LBJ Library / Robert Knudsen

Lady Bird Johnson: First Lady, wife of President Lyndon B. Johnson, recipient of Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal.

Photo By Associated Press file photo

Robert C. (Bob) Eckhardt: Democrat wrote the Texas Open Beaches Act while serving in the Texas House, then represented East Texas in the U.S. House for more than a decade. Also cofounded "Texas Observer" magazine.

Photo By AP Photo / Disney

Fess Parker: Actor best known for playing Daniel Boone and Alamo defender Davy Crockett. Also recorded "The Ballad of Davy Crockett."

Photo By Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Walter Cronkite: Longtime CBS anchor known as "the most trusted man in America," World War II correspondent.

Photo By Donna McWilliam/Associated Press

Tex Schramm: Former Dallas Cowboys general manager and Pro Football Hall of Fame member.

Wes Anderson : Filmmaker who was nominated for Oscars for "The Royal Tenenbaums" and "Fantastic Mr. Fox."

Photo By Mark Baker/Associated Press

Brendan Hansen: Swimmer and two-time gold medalist with Team USA's 4x100 medley relay team at both the 2004 Olympics in Athens and the 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Also took a bronze medal for the 200-meter breaststroke and a silver medal for the 100-meter breaststroke at the Athens games. Took a bronze medal in the 100-meter breaststroke and a gold medal as a member of the 4x100-meter medley relay in London this summer.

Photo By Associated Press

Tom C. Clark: Associate Justice of the U.S. Supreme Court and U.S. Attorney General.

AUSTIN -- The University of Texas at Austin's film school ranks as the 10th best school in the nation to jumpstart a career in cinema, according to a new list.

The Hollywood Report's fourth annual list of the country's best film schools lauded the university's Department of Radio-Television-Film for its "Semester in L.A.," program, the only non-Californian university that has such a program.

The list also touted the department's 3D production program and notable alumni like Oscar-winning actor Matthew McConaughey and film director Robert Rodriguez.

Click through the slideshow to see some of the school's most famous alumni.